Chapter 3: Message From Home

Laughing Willow raced to her father's side, her look imploring him to help the teen. Watching closely, she noticed a happy expression on the boy's face.

"Uncle Hank, I'm really glad to see you. How did you find me, anyway?" Jesse asked.

"We... uh... we found your pa, boy. I kinda figgered you would show up here, or at least I hoped you would. I've known about this camp for quite a spell, and I decided to see if you were here. I'm just glad you're safe," the older man told him, the anger and sorrow for the boy's father coming through in his voice.

"Uh, yeah, we got ambushed. They had been trailing us for awhile," Jesse told him.

"We kind of figgered as much. How did you manage to stay alive?" Hank asked, his eyes looking over the teen, as if he could see any wounds that might be healing on the boy.

"I got threw off my horse and hit my head on a rock. I think the rustlers took me for dead and left me there. Luckily I was found by this tribe and they brought me here. I think the real reason I'm still alive is because of my beautiful nurse," Jesse answered, glancing toward Laughing Willow. Hearing this, the girl blushed, her attention suddenly drawn to her moccasin-covered feet as they drew circles in the packed earth.

"I have to say one thing for you boy. When you get hurt, you surely do pick a good lookin' nurse," Hank replied, smiling gently at the blushing girl. Remembering his manners, Jesse stepped back from his uncle and took Laughing Willow's hand in his own.

"Uncle Hank, this is Laughing Willow. She has been taking care of me since I was brought here," Jesse said, smiling at the young girl.

"Pleased to meetcha. It's no wonder he's in such good shape, with a nurse like you taking care of him. These quiet fellers on those nags are my boys. Jeb, Frank, say howdy," Hank replied, motioning to the men to get down from their horses. Smiling shyly, the two younger cowboys stepped down from their mounts.

"Thank you," Laughing Willow replied, moving closer to Jesse. Pleased at the way she had inched toward him, Jesse placed his arm around her waist to let her know he was happy to be with her.

"Jesse, I hate to bring even more bad news after what happened, but, Jo is in trouble. That banker in Mesquite is starting to make some noises about taking away your ranch. He said that your pa was supposed to come in to file for an extension of your loan before the 10^th of next month. If you don't take care of that, she's going to have to get a job. We both know there ain't any jobs in that town other than the saloon," Hank told him.

Jesse felt the cold anger gathering in his gut, knowing the shady banker would definitely follow through on his threat. Seething, Jesse looked into his uncle's eyes, "Uncle Hank, I need to get my horse and go home. I won't let all the work we put in on our spread go to waste."

"We will go with you, but, first we need to figure out what we can do. It's too late to start now, anyway and with a good plan we should be able to help your sister and save your ranch," Soaring Eagle said, joining in the conversation.

"I can't ask you to come with me. This is my fight," Jesse told the medicine man.

"So does that mean you don't want my help, neither?" Hank asked, happy at how quickly his nephew had made friends with the Cheyenne shaman.

"Uh... well... I mean, oh heck, I just mean I don't think I have the right to ask for anyone's help," Jesse mumbled, looking everywhere but their faces.

"I don't recall you asking either of us, son. We both volunteered," Hank said, reaching out his hand to his nephew.

"I will be going, too," Laughing Willow said, leaving the boy no room for argument.

"Aw, heck, I guess we're going to have plenty of company on this ride. I know better than to argue when I'm beat," Jesse said, a smile coming to his face. The young man figured there was no way he could lose with this bunch on his side.

"Why don't you and Laughing Willow get your things together, while me and Soaring Eagle figure out how to handle that crook," Hank told his nephew, smiling as the boy blushed. Watching the two, Soaring Eagle knew his daughter wouldn't be a maiden much longer.

Back inside Jesse's temporary home, Laughing Willow watched the boy as he began to get ready for the long journey back to Texas. She could see the determination in every move he made, feel his resolution in the way he held himself. As she watched him, she could feel the pride building in her. Although neither had said anything about it, she realized this was her man.

Jesse could feel the girl's eyes on him. He couldn't tell her, but he was happy that she wanted to go with him. Even if most would consider him too young to take a wife, for some reason he felt that Laughing Willow and he were married, just as married as if a preacher had spoken the words to them. Lost in his thoughts, Jesse jumped when he heard Laughing Willow speak.

"How long will it take to get there?" she asked, stepping closer to him.